I created this blog to organize my job-searching links, tips, and other tools to help unemployed programmers to get a decent job in these hard economic times. The topics will be related to unemployment and any thoughts that go along with that.

Written on 4:47 PM by Robert

Thirty years ago, when someone would graduate from college with a Bachelor's degree, they were pretty much guaranteed they would get a well-paying job in their field of expertise. Anyone with a Masters degree or higher were probably doctors or lawyers. The pride of saying that you had a Bachelor's degree was a privilege not many people had. The fact that the drop-out rate for high school graduates was high at the time was also a factor.

Today, there are less people who are satisfied with a high school diploma. Most people who graduate from high school go on to get a Bachelor's degree. What exactly does that mean? Well, it means that if you are one of those people with a Bachelor's degree, you have a LOT of competition out there. If you are coming out of college with a degree and no experience, then you'll be like the hundreds of others who just graduated, and is after that job you want to land. It's depressing, to an extent - that the 4-year college degree has less worth than it did decades ago.

So what can you do to stand out in that sea of academic clones in the job market?

Get your Masters Degree (or PhD). Yes, it will take more time and money, but if you read over the course descriptions of the required classes you will be taking, you will find that these courses are more relevant to the job requirements found in the real world.

Internships. Apply for whatever internships are advertised at your school. That could be the step in the door you need to work at that place in the future.

Get a job while you're in school. If you're lucky enough to get a full-time job in your field of study without a degree, make sure you complete your degree at night. It's easy to fall into the trap of being caught up in the job and forgetting about the degree and career path. When a degree is achieved, you will have that experience under your belt already and will have a leg up on the competion.

The choice you make may not be the best choice for everyone, but its important to remember that there is always a choice.

Can you think of another option? Please add whatever else you think should be added to this list.

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About Me

Robert

Brooklyn, New York, United States

I'm a computer professional with over 15 years of experience in hardware and software.
I've always enjoyed helping others, even while I need the same exact help. They say "those who can't do, TEACH." For me, once I CAN do, I WILL teach. I can give someone else a boost while I do my thing.